Change of venue no problem for Stonington High School graduation

Stonington high school graduates relax on the track equipment in Roland Hall as the class of 2013 waits to make final preparations for their commencement on Cadet Memorial Field at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London Wednesday, June 19, 2013.

Stonington — Installation of a new artificial turf football field at their school meant Stonington High School seniors could not hold their graduation ceremony at the traditional venue Wednesday.

Plan B, though, worked out pretty well.

With spectacular weather and an even more spectacular setting overlooking the Thames River, the 190 seniors received their diplomas during a ceremony at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy's Cadet Memorial Field.

This year's commencement speaker was former high school guidance director Allison Van Etten, who is now the school district's director of special services. She talked about the many dreams the graduates have.

"The dreams that seemed so grandiose in the past are now within your reach," she said, adding they will need to work hard and persevere to reach them.

Van Etten, a 1990 Stonington High graduate, advised the graduates to surround themselves with those who have similar dreams and people who will support them.

"Finally, be prepared for some disappointment. No one ever said dreams come true easily," she said, adding, "there is no better time than now to reach out and grab your dream."

She left them with several lines from Aerosmith: "Dream on. Dream on. Dream on. Dream until your dreams come true."

Class President Joni Moody thanked classmates, parents and teachers "who made it their responsibility to help us become successful. What they taught us helped our hearts and minds to grow."

She called graduation "a fresh start" and "terrifying" but said they are "ready to embrace the challenge of the unknown."

Listing their many interests and activities, salutatorian Lindsay Gimple reminded her classmates: "We have not been stagnant up until now. You sit among a class of doers."

Valedictorian Audrey Jones likened the memories of high school to the fireflies she used to catch and release when she was younger. She urged them to do the same with their memories of high school and live in the moment.

"You won't forget them. Now is the time to let them breathe," she said.